CVE-2016-10306 in Altum AC600
Summary
by MITRE
Trango Altum AC600 devices have a built-in, hidden root account, with a default password of abcd1234. This account is accessible via SSH and/or TELNET, and grants access to the underlying embedded UNIX OS on the device, allowing full control over it.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2020
The Trango Altum AC600 device represents a critical security vulnerability classified under cwe-259 weakness, specifically addressing the improper handling of default credentials within embedded network infrastructure equipment. This vulnerability manifests through the presence of a hidden root account that is pre-configured with a well-known default password of abcd1234, creating an inherent backdoor access mechanism that bypasses normal authentication procedures. The device architecture incorporates this hidden administrative account as part of its embedded unix operating system design, making it accessible through standard network protocols including both ssh and telnet services.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs at the network level where attackers can leverage the default credentials to establish unauthorized administrative sessions with full system privileges. The presence of both ssh and telnet access points provides multiple attack vectors, with ssh offering encrypted communication while telnet presenting an unencrypted plaintext channel that is particularly dangerous in modern network environments. This dual access mechanism increases the attack surface significantly and allows for exploitation across different network security configurations and threat landscapes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. Once an attacker gains access through the hidden root account, they can execute arbitrary commands, modify system configurations, install malicious software, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The embedded unix operating system provides standard administrative capabilities including file system manipulation, process management, and network interface control, all of which are fully accessible through this backdoor account.
From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with multiple tactics described in the attack tree methodology, particularly focusing on initial access and privilege escalation phases. The presence of default credentials represents a common entry point that aligns with the attack technique of credential reuse and default credential exploitation. Security professionals should recognize this as a critical vulnerability requiring immediate remediation through credential management practices and network segmentation strategies. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper device configuration management and adherence to security best practices as outlined in nist 800-53 security controls, specifically addressing the need for secure configuration of network devices and the implementation of strong authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate credential changes for all administrative accounts, disabling unused network services such as telnet, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to these devices. The device configuration should be reviewed to ensure that all default accounts are either removed or have strong, unique passwords assigned. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure devices. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive device lifecycle management including proper decommissioning of network equipment and secure disposal of old devices that may retain default configurations.